John Walters, director of national drug control policy, said the money is part of the $3.1 million that will be spent in Ohio next year as part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program.

The goal is to pump federal money into anti-drug efforts and to encourage local, state and federal law enforcement to work more closely.

Walters said six southern Ohio counties, including Hamilton and Warren, are eligible for the federal aid because of the intensity and wide range of drug activity in the region. He said that includes methamphetamine labs, street sales of cocaine and gang-related trafficking.

"You have a distribution network that uses highways and gangs linked to other parts of the country and Mexico," Walters said. "We need to go after these people who make their livings enslaving others."

U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot, who had lobbied for the "high intensity" designation in southern Ohio, said he's glad the money is coming but sorry it's necessary.

"This is one of those good news/bad news stories," Chabot said. "The good news is we're getting additional resources. The bad news is we even qualify for the funds. Drugs are too prevalent in our community."

The amount of money is relatively small, considering it will be spread over six counties. But local and federal authorities said the program saves millions more because it brings agencies together and allows them to share equipment, manpower and other resources.

U.S. Attorney Greg Lockhart said the program also helps agencies avoid wasting money on similar programs that may end up targeting the same drug traffickers.

"It's surprising how much good that money can do," Lockhart said.

A 16-member board of law enforcement officials will distribute the money after reviewing applications for specific programs. Some of the money already is dedicated to the creation of anti-drug task forces in Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus.

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E-mail dhorn@enquirer.com